26th May 2006, 18:04

I bought my 1986 Parisienne in 1995 from my husband's Grandfather. Grampie had originally purchased this car as his "retirement" car, but alas he became ill and was not able to enjoy the luxury. He had ordered this car with a beefed up suspension for pulling a 31 ft travel trailer.

Both of our boys played numerous sports (they are now 19 & 25 years of age) so we travelled a lot. Every kid on those teams begged to travel with us in what they called "The Big Comfy Couch" car.

I have to date invested about $2000.00 in this vehicle all of which has been spent on gas, tires and oil changes.

It is realiable, good on fuel (even at today's prices) and a cherished member of our family. Every September for the last 3 years I have vowed to sell "The Tank") as named by the football team), but alas we continue to use this car as our relaible backup vehicle.

This spring (2006) I signed it over to my 22 year old son who has the task of replacing the heat riser valse.

Do I love this car, you bet. Good strong body, drives like a dream and can always be counted on to be reliable. I only wish they still made cars like this one... it cost Grampie about $18000.00 new and I challenge you to find a car built today for the same price that can last as long!!

30th Nov 2010, 02:05

I have a 1981 Pontiac Parisienne Brougham, and everyone who rides in it thinks it's the most comfortable car ever!

It's pretty hard to find a more comfortable car on the market these days for less than $20k.

Not only the plush velour pillowtop seats, but the heavy duty suspension that floats over bumps like a boat at sea.

I enjoy driving mine a lot, it makes driving a pleasure.

These are very reliable and never leave you stranded too.

Car is really easy to work on too. Mechanics like to work on these, everything is simple.

If you are looking to buy one, get one with a Chevy 305 engine if possible. That is a very good commercial grade engine used in GMC trucks, cargo vans, pickup trucks, as well as taxi and police service for years. These engines will put up with a lot of abuse for a long time!

The Chevy 305 can run at very high mileage, I see plenty of old vans and trucks with 300-400k on the odometer.

The Olds 307 is OK, but not as good. If a Pontiac Parisienne is not working well, chances are it has a 307 .

The 4.3 is a good engine too, just underpowered for the car, and gets similar fuel economy anyways.

The 305 delivers excellent highway fuel mileage.

In town, stop and go as mileage is not the best with these cars, but it's the price you pay to travel first class.

It's more fuel efficient than some modern pickups and SUV's, which is pretty sad to say, considering how huge of a landyacht this car is.